Chris Cordner

Star Wars fans are proving to be a Force to be reckoned with – by showing a massive interest in a Hartlepool event filled with movie screenings.

A whole garrison of fans in movie costumes have signed up to be part of the Star Wars day at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Boba Fett prize

Hartlepool & District Hospice is organising the event in advance of next month’s release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Fans are being given the chance to recap on Episodes IV – VI at a big- screen showing of the classic original trilogy back-to-back.

Treats include the chance to mingle with characters from the films, a toy exhibition and the opportunity to win signed memorabilia. Also there on the day will be the 99th Garrison, which is a collective of Star Wars fans with their own movie quality costumes. They attend events in character around the country, all year round. They are particularly keen on supporting charity events and helping with collection buckets.

Members of the Garrison will be in attendance throughout the day to meet and greet guests and help boost proceeds for the charity. One is even travelling from Liverpool to help out and is kindly being accommodated free of charge by hospice corporate partners, Best Western Grand Hotel.

There will be an exhibition of both vintage and more recent Star Wars toys, a raffle which includes a signed photo of Jeremy Bulloch – who played bounty hunter Boba Fett – and a signed autobiography of David Prowse, who played Darth Vader. Prizes on the day will be one for the best guest in fancy dress.

This is different to any event we have done before and as a Star Wars fan, I’m really looking forward to it

Greg Hildreth, Hartlepool & District Hospice fundraiser

Hospice fundraiser Greg Hildreth said: “This is different to any event we have done before and as a Star Wars fan, I’m really looking forward to it.”

He thanked the 99th Garrison and the college for their part in the day. Doors open at 1pm. The screening of the films starts at 2.30pm.

Tickets are £10 per person and are available from the hospice’s website at www.hartlepoolhospice.co.uk or by contacting (01429) 855529. Tickets will also be available to buy on the day but are limited to 180 and subject to availability. People can also follow the event on the Hospice’s Facebook page.